Ken Betwa Link Project, Objective, Components, Significance
Ken Betwa Link Project has been launched with the foundation stone being laid by PM Modi. The Ken Betwa Link Project is part of the National Perspective Plan for river interlinking.
Deeksha Dixit26 Dec, 2024
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Ken Betwa Link Project : Recently the foundation stone for the Ken Betwa Link Project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is the first national river-linking project in India. Ken- Betwa River Linking National Project aims to address irrigation and drinking water challenges.
The Ken Betwa Link Pariyojna is part of the National Perspective Plan (NPP) for the interlinking of rivers, which was first proposed in 1980 by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA). Read on to learn more about the Ken Betwa Link Project.What is Ken Betwa Link Project?
The Ken-Betwa Link Project is a river interlinking initiative that aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken River to the Betwa River . Both rivers are tributaries of the Yamuna River. The project is designed to alleviate water scarcity in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region , which spans parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The Ken-Betwa Link Project is expected to provide irrigation to approximately 10.62 lakh hectares of land , supply drinking water to around 62 lakh people , and generate renewable energy. The project is a crucial step towards sustainable water management in India, especially in regions that face severe water shortages.
Key Components of Ken Betwa Link Project
The Ken-Betwa Link Project is divided into two phases and consists of several key components including:- Daudhan Dam: This is part of Phase 1 of the project. The dam will be built on the Ken River and will create a reservoir to store surplus water. The Daudhan Dam is expected to submerge around 9,000 hectares of land, affecting several villages.
- Phase II: It will involve the construction of the Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage.
- Link Canal: A 221 km long canal will be constructed to transfer water from the Ken River to the Betwa River. This canal will include a 2 km tunnel to facilitate the flow of water.
- Power Generation: The project will also include hydropower generation facilities. It is expected to generate 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power, contributing to the region's energy needs.
- Irrigation Infrastructure: The project will enhance irrigation facilities in the Bundelkhand region, which is known for its agricultural potential but suffers from water scarcity.
- Environmental Management: Measures will be taken to mitigate the environmental impact of the project, especially concerning the Panna Tiger Reserve, which is located near the project site.
Objective of Ken Betwa Link Project
The primary objective of the Ken-Betwa Link Project is to irrigate water-scarce areas in the Bundelkhand region. This area has been facing drought conditions for many years, leading to agricultural distress and water shortages for the local population. The Ken Betwa Link project aims to:- Provide irrigation to 10.62 lakh hectares of agricultural land, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in the region.
- Supply drinking water to approximately 62 lakh people, improving the quality of life and health of the local population.
- Generate renewable energy through hydropower and solar power, contributing to the region's energy needs and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- Promote economic development in the Bundelkhand region by improving water availability for agriculture and other sectors.
Significance of Ken Betwa Link Project
The Ken Betwa Link Project holds immense significance for various reasons:- Water Security: The project aims to provide a reliable source of water for irrigation and drinking, addressing the chronic water scarcity in the Bundelkhand region.
- Agricultural Development: By enhancing irrigation facilities, the project will boost agricultural productivity, leading to increased income for farmers and improved food security.
- Development Model: Once successful, the project will set a precedent for future river-linking projects in India.
- Infrastructural Growth: The construction of canals, dams, and powerhouses will create jobs and infrastructure in the region.
- Energy Generation : 103 MW hydropower and 27 MW solar power will contribute to India’s renewable energy goals.
What is a River Linking Project?
A river linking project involves connecting two or more rivers through canals or other infrastructure to transfer water from one river basin to another. The primary goal of such projects is to manage water resources more effectively, especially in regions facing water scarcity. River linking projects can help in:- Providing water for agricultural purposes in arid and semi-arid regions.
- Managing excess water during monsoon seasons to prevent flooding.
- Ensuring a reliable source of drinking water for urban and rural populations.
- Utilizing the flow of water to generate renewable energy.
| UPSC Mains 2020 PYQ: The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. |
Image Credit: NWDA
List of River Linking Projects in India
India’s National Perspective Plan outlines 30 river-linking initiatives (16 under the Peninsular Component and 14 under the Himalayan Component). Here is the list of key river linking projects:| River Linking Project | States Involved |
| Ken-Betwa Link Project | Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh |
| Damanganga-Pinjal Link | Maharashtra, Gujarat |
| Par-Tapi-Narmada Link | Maharashtra, Gujarat |
| Godavari-Krishna Link | Andhra Pradesh, Telangana |
| Krishna-Pennar Link | Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka |
| Pennar-Cauvery Link | Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu |
| Mahanadi-Godavari-Krishna-Pennar-Cauvery Link | Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka |
| Manas-Sankosh-Tista-Ganga Link | Bhutan, India (Assam, West Bengal, Bihar) |
| Kosi-Ghaghra Link | Nepal, India (Bihar, Uttar Pradesh) |
| Gandak-Ganga Link | Nepal, India (Bihar) |
| Ganga (Farakka)-Damodar-Subernarekha link | West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand |
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Ken Betwa Link Project FAQs
What is the cost of the Ken Betwa Link Project?
The budget for the Ken Betwa Link Project is approximately Rs 44,605 crore.
In which states is the Ken Betwa Link Project located?
The project spans parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Which rivers are involved in the Ken Betwa Link Project?
The project links the Ken River and the Betwa River.
What is the name of the dam in the Ken-Betwa Link Project?
The name of the dam in the Ken-Betwa Link Project is the Daudhan Dam which is proposed across river Ken.
What are the expected benefits of the Ken Betwa Link Project?
The project aims to provide irrigation, drinking water, and renewable energy, benefiting millions in the region.
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